The ruling on sitting for a day or more to recite the Qur'an and dedicating it to the deceased

Question:
We have in Syria customs that are somewhat different and sometimes strange compared to those of others. For example, when one of us passes away, people rush to offer condolences, bringing with them whatever foodstuffs are available, such as sugar and rice, for a week or more. They sit, exchange conversations, and consume tea and tobacco, especially the hookah, and they prolong their sitting. After the afternoon prayer every day, they recite what is called the khatmiyyah; each person recites a part of the Qur'an, which is then dedicated to the deceased. Sometimes we find two people reciting from the same part, one reading the first page and the other the second page, in order to hasten the completion of the part. The same is done on the fortieth day, where this is performed after the midday prayer and the serving of a feast or two feasts for lunch. What is your opinion on this? May Allah reward you with all good. A. M. H. Syria.

Answer:
Praise be to Allah, and after that: Consoling the family of the deceased is prescribed, and so is sending them food; for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered his family to send food to the family of Ja'far ibn Abi Talib when the news of his death reached them, and he said: As for the family of the deceased or others sitting for a day or more to recite the Qur'an and dedicate it to the deceased, it is a religious innovation with no basis in the pure Shari'ah. Likewise, what you mentioned regarding what is done on the fortieth day has no basis in the Shari'ah.
As for smoking, it is reprehensible at all times, and its harms are numerous.
We ask Allah to protect the Muslims from its evil and from all evils, and to guide them to follow the Sunnah and to be cautious in all their affairs. Indeed, He is Generous and Bountiful. And Allah grants success.